Introduction
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment designed to restore hormonal balance, typically during times of transition such as menopause or for those with low hormone levels. For many individuals, HRT is a lifeline, offering relief from disruptive symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
HRT involves replacing hormones that are either deficient or absent from the body. It is particularly common for women in menopause but is also used by transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming care, as well as men experiencing testosterone deficiencies. Globally, HRT has gained popularity due to its ability to significantly improve quality of life by alleviating hormone-related symptoms.
In this article, we’ll explore the different forms of HRT, how it works, its benefits and risks, and its widespread use across various populations.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone Replacement Therapy works by supplementing the body with synthetic or bioidentical hormones that are similar to those naturally produced by the body. For women going through menopause, the most common forms of HRT involve estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. Men, particularly those experiencing low testosterone levels, may receive testosterone replacement therapy.
There are different methods of delivering hormones, including oral pills, skin patches, topical creams, gels, injections, or subcutaneous pellets. The choice of delivery method depends on the individual's preferences, medical history, and doctor’s recommendations.
Estrogen is the most common hormone used in HRT, often prescribed to manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
Progesterone is used in combination with estrogen to protect the uterus from the increased risk of cancer caused by estrogen alone.
Testosterone is occasionally prescribed for women experiencing low libido or for men with testosterone deficiencies.
Bioidentical hormones, derived from plant sources and designed to mirror the body’s natural hormones, are increasingly popular. However, some prefer traditional synthetic hormones due to cost and availability.